Wallabies coaching hopefuls Les Kiss and Dan McKellar face off as interstate rivalry takes new twist

The two men most likely to succeed Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach go head-to-head this weekend in an unprecedented situation.

There is never a shortage of motivation around Queensland versus NSW clashes.

But never before have the two sides collided with both coaches awaiting an answer on whether they’ll be the next Wallabies coach.

That is the extraordinary backdrop to the Reds match against the Waratahs on Saturday in Brisbane, with Les Kiss and Dan McKellar having been interviewed by Rugby Australia for the role of Wallabies head coach.

Both have been at pains to deflect the subject, not wanting the ongoing saga to overshadow or distract from preparing their respective Super Rugby teams.

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss. Picture: Getty Images

NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar. Picture: Getty Images

But it remains the biggest talking point in Australian rugby and there is no getting around the elephant in the room.

While Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has legitimate claims, it’s widely considered a two-horse race between Kiss and McKellar to take over from Joe Schmidt after The Rugby Championship in October, with Kiss the frontrunner.

Schmidt is stepping away from the role to spend more time in New Zealand with his family, primarily to look after his son who has epilepsy and requires constant care.

He is open to remaining an advisor to the new coach at their discretion.

The replacement head coach will begin their Test tenure with a showdown against Eddie Jones’ Japan on October 25 in Tokyo, followed by spring tour games against England, Italy, Ireland and France.

While this Reds versus Tahs match won’t decide who takes the sought-after job, it will give bragging rights to the winning aspirant.

RA expected to make a formally appoint the new coach within a fortnight

McKellar is undefeated so far in his tenure as NSW coach, while Kiss’ Reds started strong before going down to the Crusaders in the last round.

Hunter Paisami will return to the Reds’ starting side. Picture: Getty Images

But McKellar has some major injury woes impacting the team this week, forcing him to blood debutant scrumhalf Teddy Wilson for hobbled captain Jake Gordon, and new No.8 Leafi Talataina, who starts with Langi Gleeson on the bench after the latter hurt his leg last week.

Lock High Sinclair skippers the Tahs in Gordon’s absence.

Kiss hasn’t hesitated in bringing backline stars Hunter Paisami and Tom Lynagh into his starting side. Paisami completed World Rugby’s tackle school to be eligible for this match after being suspended after round one for dangerous contact.

Lynagh was a late withdrawal from the Crusaders match last Sunday due to concussion symptoms but has been cleared to play at Suncorp Stadium, pitting him against former Reds playmaker Lawson Creighton, who starts for just the second time in the blue jersey.

Queensland and New South Wales is the fiercest rivalry in Australian rugby.

Since 2000, the Reds and Waratahs have contested the Bob Templeton Cup 40 times. It’s 20 wins apiece heading into Saturday’s showdown.

Originally published as Wallabies coaching hopefuls Les Kiss and Dan McKellar face off as interstate rivalry takes new twist